Milwaukee Bucks are in the playoffs, and as of now, they’re locked into the sixth seed. The only way they can be a five seed is if Atlanta loses their last two games. If Hawks beat Hornets tonight, it’s officially the sixth seed for Milwaukee. Toronto Raptors would be the opponent. They’re currently one game up on Washington Wizards at the four seed. They’re still a chance that Wizards could become the three, but it’s looking unlikely. There’s one team that Milwaukee would prefer to play over the other, yet let’s look at Toronto first with Washington coming later today.

Toronto Raptors
Season Series – Bucks are 1-3 against Raptors this season. This has been one of their tougher opponents in the NBA for the last several years. Toronto won 13 of the last 15 games against Milwaukee, and Bucks snapped a losing streak in March when Kyle Lowry was out with injury. Lowry is back, and Toronto is looking for another run in the playoffs.

How did Giannis do against them? – Even with the team struggles, Giannis went off against Toronto in the four times they played this season. He averaged 24.8 points, seven rebounds and seven assists per game. The media narrative will be that DeMarre Carroll can try and hold him down yet that will not happen.

Biggest reason to be excited – The ability to use Greg Monroe to his full potential would be huge. Toronto is an interesting team with Serge Ibaka inside now and Jonas Valanciunas inside. Monroe will be able to be a key factor in this series versus some teams that go small all the time. You’ll see Toronto shrink in the fourth quarter, but still, Monroe should be able to be out there even with Ibaka’s range.

Biggest reason to worry – Kyle Lowry kills Bucks. Lowry played in three games thus far since coming back from a wrist injury. He’s looked good in all three games. He’s a Bucks killer, and they really haven’t figured out an answer for him. Khris Middleton did not play in the three Lowry games this season though.

Final Verdict – Toronto would worry Bucks fans, but I still think there’s a chance to be successful. This Bucks team did well against them in early March which is a nice confidence boost. Additionally, Toronto struggled in the playoffs in the past, and while those things shouldn’t matter, they sometimes end up being a thing.

Washington is next.

Charlie.